SIGFOX

Sigfox provides a global low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) for the Internet of Things (IoT), often referred to as the 0G network. Founded in 2010 by Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet in Labège, France, the company was established to address the challenges of cost, energy consumption, and scalability in massive IoT deployments.

The firm's technology utilizes ultra-narrowband (UNB) radio modulation, allowing it to transmit very small data packets (up to 12 bytes) over long distances with minimal power. This design enables battery-powered IoT devices to operate for several years without needing a replacement. The network operates on unlicensed ISM radio bands and features a star topology where devices broadcast messages received by any nearby base station, which then forwards the data to the Sigfox Cloud for processing. This simple architecture eliminates the need for complex connection handshakes, reducing both energy use and hardware costs.

Sigfox's business model is based on providing connectivity as a service through a network of local Sigfox Network Operators (SNOs) across the globe. These operators deploy and maintain the physical infrastructure, while Sigfox manages the cloud platform and technology stack. The company serves various industries, including logistics, asset tracking, smart metering, agriculture, and smart cities.

After raising over $300 million from investors like Salesforce, Intel, and Samsung, Sigfox faced financial difficulties due to a slower-than-expected IoT adoption cycle and filed for bankruptcy in January 2022. In April 2022, the company was acquired by UnaBiz, a massive IoT service provider and existing Sigfox operator for Singapore and Taiwan, for a reported €25 million. Under UnaBiz's ownership, Sigfox continues to operate, supporting over 14 million active devices across 75 countries. UnaBiz has stated its intention to foster convergence between LPWAN technologies and has made the Sigfox device library code publicly available to encourage interoperability.

Keywords: 0G network, LPWAN, IoT connectivity, low-power wide-area network, M2M communication, ultra-narrowband, asset tracking, smart metering, UnaBiz, Ludovic Le Moan, Christophe Fourtet, long-range communication, low-bandwidth, IoT sensors, public network model, global IoT network, energy-efficient connectivity, small data packets, device-to-cloud, ISM radio band, Sigfox Atlas, geolocation service